Republican voters across Pennsylvania show strong support for increased education funding
HARRISBURG, PA — A new statewide poll commissioned by PA Schools Work reveals overwhelming support across party lines for increased investment in Pennsylvania’s public schools, with particularly notable backing from Republican voters.
The recent survey, conducted by Seven Letter Insight, the firm used by nationally recognized polling expert Frank Luntz, found that nearly seven out of ten Republican voters in Pennsylvania believe the state should increase funding for public education, challenging the notion that education funding is a partisan issue.
“These findings clearly demonstrate that support for our public schools transcends political divides,” said Donna Cooper, Executive Director of Children First, a PA Schools Work partner organization. “A strong majority of Republican voters believe the current level of state funding for public education is insufficient, confirming that Pennsylvania voters from all political backgrounds recognize that investing in our students is investing in our future.”
Key findings from the poll include:
- Nearly three-quarters of Republican voters (72%) agreed that “adequately funded public schools are essential for economic growth and development in Pennsylvania communities,” with 77% agreeing that well-funded schools are essential for workforce development.
- Two-thirds of Republican voters (63%) support increasing state funding to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers.
- A strong majority (58%) of Republican voters believe that “state funding should address inequities between wealthy and under-resourced districts.”
The poll revealed several additional insights about Republican voters’ attitudes toward public education funding in Pennsylvania:
- More than two-thirds of Republican voters (68%) support increasing teacher salaries to attract and retain quality educators.
- Seven out of ten Republican voters (71%) believe that adequately funded schools lead to stronger property values in their communities.
- Three-quarters of Republican voters (74%) support increased funding for special education services.
“What we’re seeing is that Republican voters, like voters across the political spectrum, understand the value of strong public schools in their communities,” said Cooper. “They recognize that education funding isn’t about politics – it’s about providing opportunities for Pennsylvania’s children. And overwhelmingly these voters believe that state funding should address inequities between wealthy and under-resourced districts.”
The poll comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers debate education funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. PA Schools Work advocates hope these findings will encourage bipartisan cooperation on education funding issues.
“This data sends a clear message to legislators on both sides of the aisle: your constituents, regardless of party affiliation, want to see more investment in our public schools,” added Marc Stier, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Policy Center, a PA School Work partner organization. “We urge our elected officials to heed this call and work together to ensure all Pennsylvania students have access to the quality education they deserve.”
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